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- Today1h 33m
Exorcism Across Cultures: Demons, Possession, and Spiritual Healing
What happens when cultures around the world interpret illness, suffering, and altered states of consciousness as spiritual possession?In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore exorcism as a cross-cultural phenomenon, examining how different religious traditions understand spirits, possession, healing, and the supernatural.Rather than treating exorcism as simply horror movie material, this episode approaches it through anthropology, religious studies, and the study of lived spiritual experience. Drawing on ethnographic research and religious texts, we examine Catholic exorcism and the Roman Ritual, Muslim ruqya practices involving djinn possession, and Korean Buddhist rituals used to heal spirit-related illness and troublesome ghost encounters.Along the way, we discuss why possession experiences across cultures often share strikingly similar features: altered states of consciousness, unusual strength, personality changes, physical symptoms, and experiences interpreted as contact with non-human entities.From Catholic priests and Muslim raqis to Buddhist ritual specialists and spirit mediums, this episode asks a broader question: what do exorcism and possession reveal about the ways humans understand suffering, healing, evil, and the unseen world?Rather than offering definitive answers, this episode explores the intersection of religion, anthropology, medicine, and the paranormal—and why experiences of possession continue to challenge the boundaries between belief, psychology, and reality.Topics discussed in this episode: - The Anthropology of Possession and Exorcism - Ruqya, Muslim Exorcism - The Roman Ritual - Exorcism in Buddhist Korea - Why Consider Exorcism and PossessionShow Notes:Divine HorsemenA Balinese Trance SeanceOparin, D. (2020). Possession and exorcism in the Muslim migrant context. Ethnicities, 20(4), 731-751.Ayah Al-KursiLiving with the Invisibles (available to stream on Alexander Street Press)The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel, Felicitas GoodmanDeliver Us (Kanopy, but available on other streaming services)Archbishop of Milwaukee Jeffrey Grob’s dissertation on Catholic exorcism:https://www.scribd.com/document/326664328/Grob-Thesis
- 5 days ago9 min
Can Orang Pendek Finally Be Proven Real? | Headlines from the Beyond Ep. 16
This week on Headlines from the Beyond:Will a new expedition to Sumatra finally uncover definitive evidence of the mysterious orang pendek?Cryptohominid researcher Adam Thorn has returned to the jungles of Sumatra with a much more ambitious investigation into the legendary “little person” of Indonesian folklore. Using long-term trail camera deployment, environmental DNA sampling, footprint analysis, and primate vocalization experiments, Thorn’s new expedition represents one of the most scientific attempts yet to investigate reports of this elusive cryptohominid.We also remember legendary Japanese horror author Koji Suzuki, the creator of Ringu and one of the pioneers of modern J-horror, whose work reshaped supernatural horror around the world.Finally, we break down the newest developments in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the sale of the infamous Conjuring House to paranormal investigator Jason Hawes, including the dismissal of the lawsuit that temporarily halted the sale.Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Show Notes:Orang Pendek: Methods for Finding Sumatra’s SasquatchI Went in Search of the Orang Pendek, Sumatra's SasquatchOrang Pendek Expedition: The DNA Results, My Theories, the Footprints and MoreBiothorn Primate Discovery UnitKoji Suzuki, Whose Horror Novels Inspired ‘Ring’ Movies, Dies at 68Judge dismisses lawsuit blocking sale of ‘The Conjuring’ house
- Apr 17, 202619 min
Near-Death Experiences Study, Pentagon UAP Office at Risk, and Missing Scientists Spark Conspiracy Theories
This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three major paranormal and unexplained stories shaping the conversation right now.A new publication from the International Association for Near-Death Studies proposes a bold scientific framework for studying near-death experiences (NDEs) and other end-of-life phenomena. Drawing on decades of clinical observations, one researcher estimates that millions of Americans report near-death experiences, shared death experiences, and deathbed visions each year. Could a national database and a willingness to study consciousness beyond the body transform how science understands life, death, and what may come after?Next, a new bill introduced by Tim Burchett aims to defund the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), the office tasked with investigating unidentified aerial phenomena. If passed, the legislation would dismantle centralized UAP oversight and redistribute responsibilities across the Department of Defense. What would this mean for transparency, disclosure efforts, and the future of UFO research?Finally, internet investigators are drawing connections between a series of recent disappearances and deaths involving scientists, military personnel, and defense contractors—including the ongoing case of missing Air Force General William Neil McCasland. From NASA researchers to national security officials, the clustering of these cases has fueled speculation about whether these incidents are coincidental—or part of something larger.From the science of near-death experiences to government oversight of UFOs and emerging conspiracy theories, we’re tracking the stories shaping the strange, the uncertain, and the unexplained.Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Show Notes:O'Driscoll, Jeff. "A New Scientific Model for Studying Near-Death Phenomena." Journal of Near-Death Studies 42, no. 3 (2024).Dr. Jeff O’DriscollPentagon’s UFO Office to Be Eliminated Under New BillAll-domain Anomaly Research OfficeDr. Jon T. KosloskiH.R.8197 - To terminate the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.Missing nuclear official becomes TENTH person tied to dark pattern surrounding US secretsTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
- Apr 10, 202652 min
Santa Muerte, Miracles, and the Paranormal: Interview with Dr. Andrew Chesnut
What happens when lived religious experience challenges how we define the paranormal?In this episode of Beyond the Human, we’re joined by Andrew Chesnut, one of the leading scholars on Santa Muerte, for an in-depth conversation on devotion, healing, and the realities behind one of the fastest-growing religious movements in the world.Building on our previous episode, we go beyond history and symbolism to explore lived experiences of devotion to Santa Muerte through the voices, practices, and reported miracles of her devotees.Drawing on his book Devoted to Death, Dr. Chesnut discusses how Santa Muerte devotion has evolved since he began his research in 2009, including its rapid growth in the United States, its spread beyond Hispanic communities, and its place within broader political and cultural conversations around immigration and identity.We also explore Santa Muerte's role in healing—examining how practitioners understand supernatural illness, protection, and healing in ways that often fall outside Western scientific frameworks.In one of the most compelling parts of the conversation, Dr. Chesnut reflects on the reports of miracles among Santa Muertistas, from physical healing to protection in life-threatening situations, and why it’s essential for scholars to take these experiences seriously, even when they challenge conventional explanationsFrom anthropology and religious studies to the broader question of how we define the paranormal, this episode pushes the boundaries between belief, experience, and reality.Topics discussed in this episode: - Welcoming Dr. Chesnut and the State of Santa Muerte Devotion - Santa Muerte as Healer - Gender and Santa Muerte - Santa Muerte and the Paranormal - Military and Law Enforcement Devotion - Studying Anomalous Phenomena - Dr. Chesnut's Upcoming WorkShow Notes:Instagram - @drdeathanddivinityThreads -@drdeathanddivinityX - @AndrewChesnut1Facebook - Andrew ChesnutDevoted to Death, 3rd EditionCampfire ambience: “Campfire at night soundscape (louder fire, quieter animals)” by SilverIllusionist, via Freesound (CC BY 4.0).Music: “Backwoods BBQ” by Chris Haugen, via the YouTube Audio Library.
- Apr 9, 202613 min
Nick Pope Dies, JD Vance on UFOs, and Pilot Spots ‘Flying Disc’ Over Philadelphia
This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three major stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.The UFO community is mourning the loss of Nick Pope, one of the most recognizable figures in modern UFO research. Known for his work on the UK Ministry of Defence’s “UFO desk” and later as a prominent media voice on shows like Ancient Aliens, Pope’s legacy spans decades of investigation, public engagement, and advocacy for serious study of unexplained aerial phenomena. Following his passing after a battle with cancer, we look back at his impact on UFO discourse—and why he was often called the “real-life Fox Mulder.”Next, Vice President JD Vance weighs in on extraterrestrials, offering a perspective that reframes UFO encounters not as alien—but potentially demonic. His comments add fuel to a growing divide between scientific and religious interpretations of the phenomenon. We break down his statements, responses from researchers like Avi Loeb, and what this debate reveals about how people interpret the unknown.Finally, a commercial airline pilot reports a possible UFO sighting while landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Describing a “flying disc” overhead, the report raises familiar questions: what was seen, how fast was it moving, and why couldn’t air traffic control confirm it? We examine what we know—and what remains unexplained.From the legacy of one of UFO research’s most influential figures to new political theories and fresh eyewitness accounts, we’re tracking the stories shaping the conversation around extraterrestrials and the unexplained.Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Show Notes:JD Vance says aliens are ‘demons’ and details obsession with UFOsThe Benny Show - JD Vance | Saving Western Civilization by Fighting Demons, Will We Survive?Avi Loeb Comments on Vice President JD Vance’s Remarks that UFOs Might be DemonsAvi Loeb Reacts to JD Vance Believing Aliens Are Actually 'Demons' | Jesse Weber LiveCommercial Pilot Landing in Philadelphia Reports Flying Saucer to Air Traffic ControlTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
- Mar 27, 202653 min
Santa Muerte Explained: Death, Devotion, and the Supernatural
What if some of the most powerful paranormal experiences aren’t found in ghost stories—but in religion?In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore the rapidly growing devotion to Santa Muerte, also known as Holy Death, the Skeleton Saint, or La Flaca. With millions of devotees across Mexico, the United States, and Central America, Santa Muerte has been called one of the fastest-growing new religious movements in the world.This episode examines Santa Muerte not just as a cultural or religious figure, but as a supernatural phenomenon—one that challenges how we define belief, experience, and the unexplained.From protection and healing to love, vengeance, and even ensuring a “good death,” Santa Muerte occupies a space that most religious figures—and most paranormal frameworks—avoid.Join us as we dive. into the history, characteristics, and devotion to Santa Muerte and ask big questions like why do we often separate religion from the supernatural?Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Topics discussed in this episode: - Religion and the Supernatural - History and Origins of Santa Muerte - Who is Santa Muerte? - What is Santa Muerte like? - What does Santa Muerte do?Resources for additional research:Dr. Andrew ChesnutDevoted to Death, 3rd EditionDeath and the Idea of MexicoCampfire ambience: “Campfire at night soundscape (louder fire, quieter animals)” by SilverIllusionist, via Freesound (CC BY 4.0).Music: “Backwoods BBQ” by Chris Haugen, via the YouTube Audio Library.
- Mar 20, 202634 min
Ohio Bigfoot Flap, Havana Syndrome Tests, Patterson-Gimlin Debate, and Waving Goodbye to 3I/ATLAS
This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering four major paranormal and unexplained stories making headlines right now.In northeast Ohio, a wave of recent sasquatch sightings has researchers calling it the latest Bigfoot “flap.” Multiple witnesses across Portage and Trumbull Counties report encounters with large, hair-covered figures, strange vocalizations, and possible footprints. What’s behind this sudden surge—and how seriously are investigators taking it?Next, new reporting on Havana Syndrome—now referred to as anomalous health incidents—suggests the U.S. government may know more than previously acknowledged. A newly described device capable of emitting targeted electromagnetic waves, along with ongoing investigations and reported incidents near high-security locations, raises new questions about what’s really happening to affected individuals.Then, a new documentary premiering at SXSW is reigniting debate around one of the most famous pieces of cryptid evidence ever captured: the Patterson-Gimlin film. With claims of newly uncovered footage and insider testimony, could this film finally settle the question of whether the iconic Bigfoot footage was real—or an elaborate hoax?Finally, we revisit 3I/ATLAS as it passes beyond Jupiter and exits the solar system. From unusual trajectory patterns to chemical anomalies and potential technosignatures, we break down the most compelling—and controversial—interpretations of this interstellar object and what it might reveal about the possibility of non-natural origins.From Bigfoot sightings and UFO-adjacent technology to cryptid controversies and interstellar mysteries, we’re tracking the stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.Four stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the unexplained.Show Notes:The Ohio Bigfoot Flap - Bigfoot SocietyOhio Squatch ProjectU.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources sayThe Famed 1967 Bigfoot Film Was an 'Incredible Hoax,' Says the Director of a Groundbreaking New Documentary3I/ATLAS is Fading Away, Leaving Us to Ponder Over Its 22 Mysterious AnomaliesThe 72-second signal that made scientists ask: "Are We Alone?"
- Mar 13, 202613 min
A Missing Air Force General, SETI May Be Missing Alien Signals, and Etsy Witch Bans
This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three strange stories making headlines right now.Authorities in Albuquerque are searching for retired U.S. Air Force General William Neil McCasland after he was reported missing in late February. An accomplished aerospace engineer and former director of major Air Force research programs—including work connected to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base—McCasland’s name has circulated in UFO disclosure circles since a leaked email linked him to Tom DeLonge’s To the Stars Academy. What do we know about the search so far, and why has his disappearance drawn attention from the UAP community?Next, a new study suggests SETI may be missing potential alien signals because of “space weather.” Researchers say stellar activity around distant stars could distort narrowband radio signals as they travel through space, spreading them across frequencies and making them harder to detect with current search methods. If true, it could mean extraterrestrial signals are arriving at Earth differently than scientists expected.And finally, sellers offering spiritual and occult services on Etsy say they’re facing a sudden crackdown as the platform begins enforcing long-standing rules banning supernatural services that promise real-world outcomes. With shops removed and orders canceled, some sellers are calling it a digital witch hunt—while Etsy says the policies are meant to protect buyers from scams.From UFO-linked figures to alien signal searches and the economics of online magic, we’re tracking the stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the unexplained.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Show Notes:Former US Air Force general linked to UFO research goes missing in New MexicoFBI joins search for retired Air Force major general missing for nearly 2 weeksWikiLeaks - General McCaslandWhy SETI Might Have Been Missing Alien SignalsLazio, T. Joseph W., S. G. Djorgovski, Andrew Howard, Curt Cutler, Sofia Z. Sheikh, Stefano Cavuoti, Denise Herzing et al. "Data-driven approaches to searches for the technosignatures of advanced civilizations." arXiv preprint arXiv:2308.15518 (2023).Etsy Witches Say Spell Casting Is No Longer Welcome on the PlatformTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
About Beyond the Human
From ghost stories to alien encounters to medical mysteries, every culture holds some belief in the paranormal. But why do so many of us believe in things that science can’t explain?On Beyond the Human, join two anthropologists as we explore the mysteries that unite us – strange experiences, supernatural beliefs, and the stories that stretch the limits of our understanding. Through global perspectives and personal insights, we dive into what these shared beliefs reveal about humanity – and what they might say about the unknown itself.
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